Spring-Loaded Quick Coupling Barrel Retaining System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barrel retaining systems in firearms are cumbersome and time-consuming for rapid barrel swapping, especially under combat conditions, due to the need for specialized tools and partial disassembly of the handguard, and do not allow for quick change without affecting the point of aim.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded quick coupling barrel retaining system that secures the barrel to the rifle via a barrel nut which remains attached to the receiver, allowing for tool-free barrel exchange and maintaining the original point of aim, utilizing a dual or triple locking mechanism for secure engagement and a self-tensioning interface to alleviate manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional threaded barrel nut system is used to secure the barrel to the receiver, then the barrel is securely retained, but the barrel swapping process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel retaining system is segmented into a barrel extension with locking lugs and a separate barrel nut with corresponding locking surfaces. This segmentation allows the barrel to be quickly released by simply unscrewing the barrel nut, eliminating the need for specialized tools while maintaining secure retention through the distributed locking lugs that engage with the receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel extension acts as an intermediary component between the barrel and the receiver. It features locking lugs that engage with both the barrel and the receiver, creating a mechanical bridge that enables quick attachment and detachment. The barrel nut then secures this intermediary in place, allowing rapid barrel changes without compromising security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the barrel nut is removed for barrel replacement, then the barrel can be exchanged, but the point of aim changes requiring realignment
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel extension is pre-configured with locking lugs that align with corresponding features in the receiver. This preliminary alignment feature ensures that when a new barrel is installed, the locking lugs automatically guide it into the correct position, maintaining the original point of aim without requiring realignment or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel extension and locking lug system provides self-aligning functionality. The geometric configuration of the locking lugs and their mating surfaces automatically positions the barrel correctly during installation, making the system self-servicing for maintaining point of aim consistency across barrel changes.
3Device complexity
If a simple threaded connection is used between the barrel and receiver, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot withstand the forces of combustion in automatic weapons
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel extension features asymmetric locking lugs with specific geometric profiles that mate with corresponding asymmetric features in the receiver. This asymmetric design creates multiple distributed locking points that effectively distribute and withstand combustion forces, providing strength comparable to more complex systems while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lugs and their mating surfaces incorporate curved and contoured geometries that optimize force distribution. The curved surfaces allow for better stress distribution during combustion, enhancing the system's ability to withstand high forces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and secure barrel changes without tools, maintaining the rifle's aim and reducing vibration, while simplifying manufacturing and improving reliability by compensating for dimensional variations and wear.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member operably engaged between the first and second radial spring seating surfaces and urging the surfaces apart in opposing axial directions. The spring member biases barrel assembly in a distal direction away from the barrel nut
Implementation Method 2
When the barrel assembly is inserted into the barrel nut and rotated into a locked position, the barrel locking lugs engage the splines to prevent axial withdrawal of the barrel assembly from the barrel nut
Data Source
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AI summary
A spring-loaded quick coupling barrel retaining system for a firearm. The firearm includes a receiver, a barrel nut, and barrel assembly rotatably mounted thereto. In one embodiment, the barrel assembly may include barrel locking lugs which rotatably engage and interlock with corresponding locking elements disposed on the barrel nut such a splines. The barrel assembly further includes a spring member forming a flexible interface with the barrel nut. The spring member self-tensions and tightens the lockup between the barrel assembly and barrel nut to promote a tight fit. Some embodiments may include a lock nut and a setting tool for adjusting the spring force to promote consistently proper lockup from one replacement barrel assembly to the next.